Patriots, Elkins know little about one another

October 29, 2013

CHARLES TOWN - Washington knows little about Elkins, and the Tigers, in return, know little about the Patriots.

That's the situation today when the two teams meet in the Class AAA, Region II girls soccer championship game.

Washington and Elkins didn't play in the regular season and haven't played since the middle of last season. Things have changed for both teams since then, meaning there's not a ton of information on either team by the opposing squad.

Article Photos

Journal file photo by Ron AgnirSpring Mills’ Brooklyn Williamson (20) and Washington’s Olivia Dominiski (13) collide going for a header during a game earlier this season in Charles Town.

It also means both sides will have to rely on what has gotten them this far. In other words, they have to "play their game," as many coaches like to say.

Washington coach Tim Michael is hoping that the Patriots' game is enough to push them over the top and snap a streak of consecutive losses in the regional final.

"I think, basically, we go into every game with confidence," Michael said. "If we play our game, we can play with anybody. Anybody can play with us if we take them for granted."

Washington (14-6-2) certainly isn't taking Elkins for granted, especially with the unfamiliarity that exists. The teams have a few similar opponents in Martinsburg, Musselman and Buckhannon-Upshur. Against those three, Washington is a combined 5-0 and Elkins is 2-1-1.

Michael has relied on other sources for some insight on the opposition.

"I really don't know much about them. We played them last year, and they were relatively young. We didn't get a chance to get them on the schedule this year," he said. "Just from talking to other coaches, they're peaking at the right time."

No matter how well the Tigers (14-3-3) are playing, they'll have to find a way to score on a Washington team that has been strong defensively this season with 12 shutouts, including a 2-0 win over Hedgesville in the sectional championship game Saturday.

"Defensively, I'm excited about what we've done," Michael said. "Last year, we had three people graduated who were on the defensive line. We had to replace them, and I figured we'd have our ups and downs. Our defense has been solid all year."

A top-notch defense, including one of the best goalkeepers in the area in Kylie Nelson, means the Patriots shouldn't need many goals, although they are certainly capable of scoring in big chunks. Freshman Atley Fortney is Washington's leading scorer, spearheading an offense attack that has multiple scoring options.

Much like Elkins, the Patriots have been strong down the stretch, and a big part of that is getting players back from injury.

"We're starting to get everybody healthy. We've had a lot of people hurt here and there," Michael said. "We've pushed through some things."